Stiff Joints
It isn’t uncommon to have stiff joints. For many, it occurs due to age. For others, it could be because of lifestyle choices. The discomfort often happens after prolonged periods of inactivity, usually when sitting or lying down too long. In these cases, the stiffness tends to disappear after a while. However, there are instances when it lasts longer, severely compromises mobility, or is an indicator or sign of other medical conditions.
Most people have or will experience stiff joints at one point or another, but their triggers may vary depending on various factors, with some being more serious than others. Some causes include sleeping posture, time of the day, age, weight, diet, bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, swelling, gout, fibromyalgia, and bone cancer. Often, there’s no need to seek medical attention if the condition happens after sitting down for an extended duration or getting up from sleep.
However, it’s recommended to consult your doctor immediately if your joint suddenly becomes stiff and is accompanied by rapid swelling, severe pain, joint deformity and redness, and loss of movement. They’re symptoms of more severe health conditions that may result in potentially serious complications if left untreated.
